Charging 16SZ LiFE Pack
 

Hi! Can the LiFE pack be charged in the radio through the side charging port? The manual says it is the NiMH port... but is it only a NiMh port? Thanks.

a life pack is a more user friendly pack . it will take a little more over charging .. it all depends what radio and what the packs final voltage is..its best to do a outa radio charge always. whats it take to slide a panel off and pull a plug. be safe not stupid.

Appreciate the answer. The reason I am asking is because Spektrum radios allow you to switch between charging at NiMH rates and Lipo rates right inside the radio. You can use the same wall charger and the radio will change the charging parameters. No need to remove the pack. This is pretty cool technology and I was wondering if Futaba does that. As you know on the 16SZ you can select LiFE as a battery option and that seems to change the charging display and low power warnings.

If you upgrade a 16SZ to the LiFe pack, you should not attempt to charge it in the radio with the charger that was supplied with the radio.
You have two choices. Purchase the LiFe charger that is supplied with the 18SZ, or slide the battery out to charge it through the balance tap. If you have a LiFe capable charger that will charge through the balance tap only, such as an FMA/Revolectrix Multi4 charger. If you have to buy a charger, go for the Multi4. It's about the same price as the Futaba wall wart and much more usefull, especially for charging at the field with no AC available.
Pete